Progression to Level 4 (TC-L4)

Ofqual - Recognised National Qualification (RNQ) - Certificate  

20 Credits

The course adopts a Humanistic Approach to inform Counselling Skills Practice in addition to learning about the three main Theoretical Models; Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT.  

This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and want to:

• Take the next step in training to become a counsellor 
• Learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health
• Be prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting 

This qualification leads to employment and increases employability for those who support others in sectors such as health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement towards practitioner-level qualifications (TC-L4). 

Blended /Hybrid learning/Group work and Assessments

The internal course work/assessments include creating a Portfolio consisting of achieving Learning Criteria over seven Learning Outcomes:

•  Prepare to work within an ethical framework.
• Understand the counselling relationship.
• Understand differences and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding.
• Work within a user-centred approach to counselling.
• Use Counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.
• Understand theories of counselling and mental health.
• Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies.

Course philosophy:

An important aspect of the course is that Tutors pride themselves on maintaining a student-led approach, including a sensitivity in providing constructive feedback.  Continual support and guidance are offered with regular Tutorials ensuring a positive learning experience. This is complemented by external speakers from time to time. Our philosophy of ensuring a transparency and ease of communication between students and Tutors is aided by our tailored interactive classrooms/virtual learning environment (VLE).

Minimum Age 19 or over and obtained the 

CSK-L2 or equivalent / Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent to at least 75 GLH

• Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language 
• Able to benefit from self-development 
•  Emotional stability 
• Evidence personal insight 
• Ability to form a counselling relationship
• Awareness of difference and diversity 
• Able to cope with course content 
• Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development 
• Be motivated towards developing as a counselling practitioner
• Provide references (centre option) 

Nationwide / LIVE Online

90 Hours (Minimum) Guided Learning (GLH)

196  Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT):  

•   90 Guided Learning Hours
•   25  Learning Reviews 
•   30  Essay Preparation
•   51 Coursework, module sessional reading and group work 

Approx 6 months

Progressing to Level 4 (TC-L4)

Total cost of the course:

£1295.00

Breakdown of initial cost:

£275 applies to book your place on the course (non-refundable)

£425  Registration Fee and ACE  (including the Approved Fee of the Ofqual Regulated Training Provision/Qualification) is payable  (non-refundable).

The remaining course fee is to be received/arranged at least 4 weeks before the course starts.  

Also refer to specific locations as costs may vary.

Next course start date

September 2025 until March 2026

Saturdays/Fortnightly 

(Online/LIVE Interactive Class)

Course times: 

 9.30am - 4.00pm - Approx/Fortnightly

(Excluding Tutorials)

Location: 

Nationwide / Online / Refer to ACE Courses Location

Next scheduled Online course dates 

(Online/Interactive in Class):

September 25 / Saturdays / Fortnightly...

September 25

13; 20

October 25

04; 18

November 25

01; 29

January 26

04; 17; 31

February 26

14; 28

March 26

14; 21

9.30am to 4.00pm (Excluding Optional Tutorials)

Nationwide / Online / LIVE Interactive Classes

1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.